Person Killed on Highway 99 After Reports of Man Running in Traffic

A 37-year-old man was struck and killed by a 22-year-old driver under the influence of alcohol on Highway 99 in Fresno.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:07pm

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A person was hit and killed early Monday morning on Highway 99 in Fresno, California after multiple reports of a man running in and out of traffic. The victim, a 37-year-old man, was struck by a 22-year-old driver in a Subaru Impreza who was later arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. The incident occurred around 12:45 a.m. after the California Highway Patrol received calls about someone running through the lanes of southbound Highway 99 near Fresno Street.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of impaired driving and pedestrians in traffic, which continue to be major public safety issues in the Fresno area. Highway 99 is a major thoroughfare through the region, and incidents like this can have a significant impact on traffic and commute times.

The details

According to the California Highway Patrol, a Toyota Prius was found stopped in the fast lane of southbound Highway 99, with its engine running and the driver's door open. The vehicle did not appear to be involved in a crash. About 35 minutes later, CHP received calls about someone running through the lanes of traffic on Highway 99 near Fresno Street. A few minutes after that, callers reported the man had been hit by a vehicle south of Belmont Avenue. Investigators determined the 37-year-old victim had been walking in the traffic lanes when he was struck by the 22-year-old driver of the Subaru Impreza. The Subaru driver was arrested and transported to the hospital for his injuries.

  • The incident occurred just after midnight on Monday, January 27, 2026.
  • CHP received calls about a man running in traffic on Highway 99 around 12:45 a.m.
  • The victim was struck and killed a few minutes after the 12:45 a.m. calls.

The players

California Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the incident on Highway 99.

22-year-old driver

The driver of the Subaru Impreza who struck and killed the 37-year-old pedestrian. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

37-year-old man

The pedestrian who was struck and killed while walking in the traffic lanes of Highway 99.

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What’s next

The crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol to determine if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the man's death.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safe driving and being alert for pedestrians, especially on major highways like Highway 99 in the Fresno region. It also underscores the need for continued efforts to address impaired driving and improve road safety for all users.